Born in New Zealand 29 November 1936, passed away peacefully on 21 November 2022 with his family by his side. He leaves his loving wife Birte (Bea), his Danish Delight of 38 years who he shared many trips to New Zealand as well as multiple cruises. He also leaves stepson Richard, stepdaughter Leanne (Peter) and grandchildren Erica, Alex, Joshua and Anna, his brother Walter (Margo) and sister Margaret, nieces and nephews in New Zealand.
Graham came to Canada in 1984 and he ended up staying after meeting the love of his life. He was a true gentleman, with a twinkle in his eye and was very loving to those close to him. Graham was kind to everyone he met and was always eager to help others with any projects at hand, he liked to keep busy. He was known for wearing shorts every day of the year, he even built snowmen with the grandchildren in the winter in his shorts. Graham loved his fishing trips with John and playing golf with many of his buddies. Graham will be missed by his family and his many friends especially Phil, his steady companion.
Thank you for the wonderful care that Graham received at The Summit.
Tributes, if desired, can be made to Parkinson BC https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/
A celebration of Graham’s life will be held by invitation only.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Etemadi Family
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Dietrich and Marge Rodowski We met Graham thru our circle of friends. He was always a wonderful caring person. I am glad he found life long love and care with Bea, in Canada. Wearing shorts was his trade mark.
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Brenda Mackay ( Gillespie) Dear Bea, Leanne and Richard
I am sorry to hear of Graham’s passing but grateful that you had many wonderful years together. My heartfelt condolences to you and everyone who knew him. I remember him, fondly, as a warm, friendly and kind man.
Take care of yourselves and I hope you find comfort in knowing he is at peace now. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
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Diana Simpson Dear Bea and Family,
John and I send heartfelt condolences to you all. You gave Graham a wonderful happy life. We will always remember him fondly. Graham was a lovely uncle to us. Great memories.
We hope you are doing OK at this sad time.
With love. Diana and John Simpson
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Liz and Tom True Dear Bea..
Tom and I send our love and condolences to you and your family .
We remember Graham as a true gentleman with a very wicked grin and sense of humour.
Our thoughts are with you all and will raise a glass to him with Margot and Walter on the 29th.XxxxLiz and Tom
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Pia Wyatt My dearest Bea,
What a gentleman you found in Graham. I know how much fun you and he had with my Mom (Vivi) and Mr. Mike.
And what adventures you both went on together!
Such a life well lived. He was so generous and always quick to laugh with that twinkle in his eye. He will be sorely missed. Thank you for finding him. We are all better for it. Sending you love. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Danny Stebeck Auntie Bea,
I recall that when I first met Graham I thought he was so very kind and gentle and considerate. Everything he did in every visit after that only reinforced that impression. I am so very glad for the many great years you had together and I am very sorry for your loss now. May you and all the family find comfort in God’s love. I will keep you all in my prayers.
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Ina Timmer Thinking of you Bea, and remembering what a wonderful man Graham was, always smiling and always glad to see everyone. His zest for life and his love for you was boundless.
Sending you our best wishes and much love.
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Walter Russell Dearest Bea
With a heavy heart we have memories of Graham and a life well lived.
From a childhood of mischief and fun with a loving family in a small seaside town to adulthood, a stint in New Zealand Airforce, then with a home base of Whitianga he travelled the world.
When in his 40s he met his destiny and knew immediately Bea was the one for him.
We have had great times, summers in New Zealand with family & friends – our trips to Canada – so lucky to have these memories.
Bea you have been an amazing support to Graham specially the past few years – you have our admiration and love.
Walter & Margot, and Margaret
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Simon Russell Dear Aunty Bea
So sad to hear of the passing of our loved Uncle Graham. Many fond memories even though he has been so far away for a long time. From duck shooting in the Kaitoki, your blue triumph 2000 car and tinkering with you in Beeps garage after school. I will treasure the memories of our stay with you and Bea in Victoria on our honeymoon and will always remember my last game of golf with Graham at Cordova Bay. In fact it was Graham who gave me the golf bug when I was still at school. Marrit, Will, Kees and I can’t thank you, Richard and Leanne and family enough for the life you gave Graham and the care you have shown over the last few years. So glad Dad made the trip over when he did.
Rest easy Uncle. Wishing you straight drives and long putts on your next journey. Love Simon, Marrit, Will and Kees xxxx Nelson, New Zealand
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Michael Heppell Many fond memories of happy times with Graham and Bea and my late wife Vivi.
I shall remember Graham as a gentleman who enjoyed the company of family and friends.
My sincere condolences to Bea and family at this sad time.
God bless, Graham, and safe travels.
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Susan Campbell Dear Bea and family. What a gentleman Graham was! When I first met him he was in his shorts and puttering in his garage. He was handsome and very well groomed and tidy. Next time he was in the kitchen and was Bea’s sous chef. A man who could cook and clean, make conversation and look good….one in a million! Lucky Bea.
Merv and I are thinking of you Bea and sending much love. Please reach out to us if we can be of any help to you during this sad time.❤️❤️
Dear Bea and Family!
Our condolences go out to you and your entire family. We have great memories of Graham.
He was always extremely friendly and knew how to have meaningful conversations.
Etemadi Family